On March 13, NENA kicked off the NENA Foundation’s "Friends of 9-1-1" fundraising campaign with a special screening of the new film The Call and an in-person appearance by the film's star, Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.

In the film, which opened in theaters nationwide on March 15, Ms. Berry plays a 9-1-1 operator attempting to save a kidnapped teenage girl. In preparation for the role, Ms. Berry was trained by actual 9-1-1 professionals at a Los Angeles Police Department emergency communications center. At the screening, the actress told more than 180 L.A.-area emergency call takers and other invited guests she was pleased to help launch the NENA campaign.

"Like most people, I had no idea what you do," Berry said. "But after seeing the vastness of it, I wanted to honor you in this role. And I want the world to know you are the unsung heroes of this city and every community in America."

"We are so grateful to Ms. Berry, Sony Pictures, and the entire team involved in this film for their support," said NENA CEO Brian Fontes. "Through the Friends of 9-1-1, we are expanding our support of education and training programs for 9-1-1 professionals and raising awareness of the issues facing every local 9-1-1 agency."

Read more about the event and Friends of 9-1-1.

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